Chad Announces 1,500-Troop Commitment to Haiti's Gang Suppression Force

Chad announced on April 20, 2026 that it would deploy 1,500 troops to Haiti as part of the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF), the largest single national contribution to the new security mission. The deployment comprises two battalions of 750 troops each, serving a one-year mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 2793. Approximately 400 Chadian soldiers were already on the ground as of April 21, following an advance contingent of ~50 that had arrived on April 1. Chad's commitment represents a major escalation in international force capacity: the GSF's total authorized strength is 5,550 personnel, and Chad's pledged contingent alone accounts for more than a quarter of that ceiling. The announcement came as the GSF's advance force — including Salvadoran, Guatemalan, and Chadian troops — prepared to begin joint operations with the Haitian National Police (PNH) against Viv Ansanm gang networks in and around Port-au-Prince. Gangs control approximately 90% of Haiti's capital and have expanded into at least 23 of 140 communes nationwide. The GSF is expected to reach full operational capacity by October 2026. With Chad's full commitment now confirmed, the cumulative GSF advance force stands at approximately 545 personnel (400 Chadian + 70 Salvadoran + 75 Guatemalan).